Top Claims

While renovating the deck of their recently purchased home, some home inspection clients discovered wood rot plaguing their back deck. As contractors removed the old granite countertops (presumably for an outdoor kitchen) to replace them, the deck broke, revealing the deteriorated main beams and support stringers. Rather than continue with their deck expansion, the new…

Over two years after performing a home and pest inspection, a Florida home inspector received a claim. In it, his client alleged that he failed to identify a termite infestation in the home, which the client discovered after removing drywall to renovate. Removing the drywall revealed significant termite damage to the entire wall, from the…

  In a recent claim, claimants alleged that a home inspector failed to detect structural deficiencies in the property. The claimants alleged that the inspector failed to identify that the wrong sized boards were used for the span of the ceiling, the boards were spanned incorrectly, and that the boards were incorrectly seated on the…

Last fall, one of our home inspectors received a claim alleging that he failed to identify the existence of polybutylene pipes during his inspection of a condominium two months earlier. The property did, in fact, have polybutylene pipes. However, the pipes were located in the attic, which was not included within the scope of the…

Last year, we published an article featuring the top five claims home inspectors face each year and what you can do to mitigate your risk. One year later, those allegations—water damage, roof issues, foundation defects, mold, and plumbing problems—continue to be common. We revisit each claim type by looking at recent claims from our archives…

Even if you’re not inspecting for mold—but especially if you are—it’s important to know how to avoid a mold claim. Why are mold claims common? Regardless of whether or not you decide to perform mold screenings, clients can file mold claims against you. Mold claims are the fourth most common type of allegation against home…

Note: The Managing Risk column reviews the most common allegations in the industry and provides tips to make inspectors better equipped to prevent claims. Foundation claims are the third most common allegation against home inspectors. However, because foundations are literally the base upon which every home rests, foundation damage claims are also one of the…

  American homeowners aren’t living alone. They share their homes with family. They share their homes with pets. And, whether homeowners know it or not, they share their homes with uninvited guests that lead to the top 3 pest claims against home inspectors. Pests and the American household Insects, spiders, and other pests dwell right…

  Second only to general water damage claims, roof damage claims—especially ones alleging roof leaks—are one of the most common claims against home inspectors. Why is roof damage common? Depending on its material, a typical roof lasts from 20 to 30 years before it needs to be replaced. However, it’s common for roofs to require…

  Of all the allegations we receive, claims of water damage are the most common claims against home inspectors. Why is water damage so common? “Water intrusion is the Number 1 enemy because it attacks from all potential angles of the home, from the roof down to the foundation,” explained Hank Spinnler, Owner of Harmony Inspection…